Phillips in the running for play-off role

8:31am Sunday 11th May 2008

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SEVENTEEN-year-old Matty Phillips could be the surprise inclusion in manager Paul Lambert's squad as he bids to outwit Stockport County.

The teenage midfielder laid on both goals for strikers Delroy Facey and Leon Knight during a dream debut against Bradford City last week.

And now the youngster could be pitched in for Blues' biggest two games of the season as they hunt down a place at Wembley.

The youth teamer has spent this week training with the play-off squad and could be unleashed either from the start or the bench as Blues' secret weapon.

Lambert said: "He did brilliantly against Bradford and it is great when you are young because you play without fear. He can deliver the ball and makes things happen. He has put himself there or thereabouts and he will probably be in the squad.

"He's got the temperament to do it and I wouldn't have any fears about him."

The Aylesbury-born teenager, who has not yet passed his driving test, has been with Wycombe since he was spotted playing five-aside aged eight.

He only played in last week's 2-1 win at home to Bradford because Lambert decided to rest some of his senior stars but he produced such a stunning performance, running at defenders and causing havoc, that he has now forced his way into the picture for the main event.

He said: "I'm still young. I was just trying to make a mark and put myself in the manager's mind. Hopefully I have done that and now I will see what happens. I will just take one step at a time.

"I didn't expect any of this so quickly. I only left school this time last year. Making my home debut after coming on at Notts County a week earlier was a massive step for me and I am delighted to have taken it but there is still a long way to go.

"If you had told me before the game that I was going to have a hand in both the goals I wouln't have believed you but I would have taken it."

Blues go into today's tea-time clash with no injury or suspension worries, which is in contrast to Stockport.

They have a major doubt over 19-goal top scorer Liam Dickinson who is struggling to be fit for the first leg after sustaining a hamstring injury against Chester City a fortnight ago.

He should be fit for the Edgeley Park return in six days time but is touch and go for the Adams Park showdown.

Hatters midfielder Jason Taylor is also a doubt with a foot injury, while keeper John Ruddy is expected to play despite requiring a hernia operation.

County took four points off Blues in the regular season, winning 6-0 at home and drawing 0-0 at Wycombe and with away goals not counting double, Lambert is expecting two tough games.

He said: "We are going to try and win both."

But he says he will not be slitting his wrists if Wanderers don't build up a first leg lead to take to Stockport six days later.

He said: "Wherever we go I always think we can win. Being at home will bring its own pressures for Stockport.